Stuart Schutz

 

Stuart is a 5th generation vigneron, with a passion for tradition and minimalism. He is a great believer in producing fruit with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s expression to shine through. Stuart grew up on his parent’s Malcolm & Christine’s vineyard property near Nuriootpa, originally his great grandparent’s family property.

Stuart trained to become a cooper, learning to work with oak to make wine barrels for Barossa’s best wines. Stuart continued to work towards one day having his own vineyard, while helping his father to manage the family property. After coopering for 13 years, Stuart purchased 40 acres/16 ha of land at Ebenezer, on the north-western side of the valley. This area, with its deep clay soils, was just beginning to be recognized for producing excellent Shiraz fruit. Stuart spent many long days training vines, after planting 40 acres of Shiraz over 2 years. Stuart looks forward to the future release of the Schutz Barossa Ebenezer Shiraz.

Stuart also purchased his grandparent’s home and land at Stonewell. He later proceeded to plant 7 acres/2.8 ha of dry-grown Shiraz on this site. Unlike many other dry-grown vineyards within the Barossa Valley, Stuart used no supplementary irrigation to establish the vines. Considering the years of drought, the success of this vineyard is quite amazing. Few vines have been lost and Stuart’s dedication to dry-grown management has been rewarded with the first harvest of the fruit in the 2008 vintage. The quality was exceptional with great expectations for the future. Stuart now works alongside Tammy in the management of their vineyards.